David becomes master of The King’s Lodge

28th April 2017

The brethren of The Kings Lodge No 3101 and their many guests recently gathered at Litherland Masonic Hall, for their installation ceremony and to see David Dougan installed as the new worshipful master. For the ceremony the lodge was honoured by the presence of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Robert Wright, as the principal guest, who was accompanied on the evening by many grand and acting Provincial officers.

Robert Wright (left) congratulating David Dougan on becoming WM.

The evening’s meeting started with the outgoing WM Gary Thornhill, warmly welcoming the brethren and visitors to the meeting, before proceeding to open the lodge. Once the initial business had been completed the director of ceremonies, Kenneth Bradley, announced that Robert Wright was without and demanded admission. Robert then entered the temple, accompanied by a procession of grand and acting Provincial grand officers and once the officers were seated, Gary offered the gavel of the lodge to Robert, which he declined.

The ceremony started with the presenting officers Kenneth Bradley and Arnold Simpson, presenting David. Gary then proceeded to install David into the chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom, with an excellent and faultless ceremony. Gary also presented the working tools for all three degrees in an exceptional and proficient manner.

The address to the almoner was given by Derek Midgley, the Group Pastoral Care Officer; the address to the deacons was delivered by Simon Gray, from St Luke’s Lodge No 6006, the address to the inner guard was given by Arend van Duyvenbode and the address to the tyler was delivered by Kenneth Bradley who also gave the address to the WM. This was followed by the address to the wardens by Howard Jones and the address to the brethren by Robert Wright; all delivered in an excellent and confident manner.

Robert then brought congratulations on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison, to David saying: “If Tony had been present he would have congratulated you on taking the chair and would hope you have a happy and successful year in office.” Robert then turned to Gary and congratulated him on the dignified, proficient manner he had conducted the ceremony that evening and for the work he had given the lodge over the last couple of years as WM. Robert then congratulated DC Kenneth Bradley, for the way he conducted the installation, and all the invested officers and brethren of the lodge, saying: “Tony would hope you all have a great year in your roles and he would also hope you’ll all enjoy your Freemasonry.”

The ceremony now being complete, David had the pleasure to present Robert with two cheques on behalf of the lodge for charity, £300 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £200 for the Litherland Masonic Hall. Robert on behalf of the recipients thanked the brethren of the lodge for their kind and generous donations.

With the lodge closed in perfect harmony, the brethren made their way to the dining room to continue the celebrations at an excellent festive board.

Robert Wright, David Dougan and Gary Thornhill (centre) with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers.